MVP Gold - Charge for Exit Row Seating?
Feb 20, 2019, 5:59 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: Alaska MVP Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 11
MVP Gold - Charge for Exit Row Seating?
As an MVP Gold I booked four flights last night for business travel. In each case the Alaska system both webpage & app ask me to pay for the Exit Row seat. To be clear I booked regular fares not Saver fares. Phoned the customer service line, and was told I simply need to phone them each time and they will correct? Really? Anyone have any insight?
Feb 20, 2019, 7:11 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,371
E75 doesn’t have exit rows; seat maps for A319/320/321 should show the exit row(s) as Premium Class (dark blue with white star)
Feb 20, 2019, 7:15 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: Alaska MVP Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 11
Thanks jrl767
Yes, I was aware of both items you identified. My confusion comes from the customer service agent telling me it was an error and I should telephone each time I made a reservation.
Yes, I was aware of both items you identified. My confusion comes from the customer service agent telling me it was an error and I should telephone each time I made a reservation.
Feb 20, 2019, 8:09 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC
Programs: AS 75K, DL Platinum
Posts: 631
Sounds like the agent was just confused, or was trying to resolve the situation quickly and agreeably in your favor. If you're on Airbus then jrl767 is correct that exit row is Premium so it's not always free (unless you purchased the right fare class).
That said -- *conspiracy hat on* -- AS did indicate in their latest investor release they were considering monetizing the exit rows. So *hopefully* this isn't some some pilot program or something.
That said -- *conspiracy hat on* -- AS did indicate in their latest investor release they were considering monetizing the exit rows. So *hopefully* this isn't some some pilot program or something.
Feb 20, 2019, 9:57 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Wouldn't the easiest way to monetize boeing exit row seating be to just make them premium seats like they are on the airbus?
I have never understood why they are not premium. They are desirable seats so it makes sense to call them premium and include all the premium perks like VX did. My first choice is always row 6, but if a reclining exit row and row 7 were both premium, I'd take the reclining exit row as my 2nd choice every time.
I have never understood why they are not premium. They are desirable seats so it makes sense to call them premium and include all the premium perks like VX did. My first choice is always row 6, but if a reclining exit row and row 7 were both premium, I'd take the reclining exit row as my 2nd choice every time.
Feb 20, 2019, 10:40 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC
Programs: AS 75K, DL Platinum
Posts: 631
I agree, it would be easy. Which is why as a non-75k, I hope they don’t do this.
One possible complication is it’s harder to generate a premium experience in the middle of the cabin surrounded by non-premium seats. It’s also harder to justify the minor negatives of the seats. For example, no recline in row 16, weird armrests in window seats, fixed ear flaps in all seats, etc.
One possible complication is it’s harder to generate a premium experience in the middle of the cabin surrounded by non-premium seats. It’s also harder to justify the minor negatives of the seats. For example, no recline in row 16, weird armrests in window seats, fixed ear flaps in all seats, etc.
Feb 20, 2019, 10:46 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 621
I agree, it would be easy. Which is why as a non-75k, I hope they don’t do this.
One possible complication is it’s harder to generate a premium experience in the middle of the cabin surrounded by non-premium seats. It’s also harder to justify the minor negatives of the seats. For example, no recline in row 16, weird armrests in window seats, fixed ear flaps in all seats, etc.
One possible complication is it’s harder to generate a premium experience in the middle of the cabin surrounded by non-premium seats. It’s also harder to justify the minor negatives of the seats. For example, no recline in row 16, weird armrests in window seats, fixed ear flaps in all seats, etc.
Feb 21, 2019, 5:40 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
Feb 21, 2019, 8:26 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
At least, it would have been a good idea last year when I was MVP. This year I'm MVPG so it's a terrible idea.
Feb 22, 2019, 8:25 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC
Programs: AS 75K, DL Platinum
Posts: 631
Pretty sure AA does this. Lower-tier elites can purchase premium or preferred seats at a discount (vs free for higher tiers).